Camp Greenknoll

Camp Greenknoll

CAMP EXTENDED UNTIL AUG. 31

Let your kids play until the day before school starts!

Make it the BEST SUMMER EVER. Camp Greenknoll is open now until August 31st! Spots are filling up fast so now is your chance to register for one of our five summer camps.

YMCA Camp Greenknoll is more than just a day camp; we are a facility that offers campers ages 3-15 years a place where they can be themselves. We give our campers the chance to build confidence through skill building activities, positive developmental experiences and encouraging them to forge bonds with each other and staff. Campers experience a sense of achievement through opportunities in the outdoors and are welcomed to a physically and emotionally safe and stimulating environment.

Here at YMCA Camp Greenknoll we raise the B.A.R. with our commitment to Belonging, Achieving goals and Relationship building. Our campers are able to explore creativity, team work and leadership in a wide range of physical activities that influence lifelong healthy living. They have the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor environment where they develop an appreciation of nature. Campers also participate in a variety of activities, including instructional swim, enrichment, STEM, art education, and others that are designed to build confidence and teach teamwork. Y-USA’s new swim structure is designed with a skill-based approach to help children become independent in the water and build confidence.

YMCA Camp Greenknoll has a maximum of 375 campers per week and is divided into three units, Explorers (Unit 1) are campers from Pre-k to 2nd grade. Pioneers (Unit 2) campers entering the 3rd grade to 5th grade and the Trailblazers (unit 3) are campers entering 6th grade to campers in 8th and 9th grade. Units are not just age groups but small communities, within each unit are tribes. Tribes are made up of campers going into a particular grade or are Pre-K campers. Tribes are limited to twenty campers per week with the exception of the Comanche’s (pre-k) tribe. Each unit will have a designated time for all Unit activities. Unit activities are designed to bring a sense of community and belonging and for campers to build friendship with campers other than campers in the tribe.

The Y is giving kids their Best Summer Ever! The YMCA Camp Greenknoll offers a mix of fun and educational activities aimed at improving kids’ well-being. Our programs center on three areas proven to impact kids’ development: Relationship, Achievement and Belonging.

The Y has been a leading provider of summer camp for over 150 years and continues to provide youth with an enriching experience. We ensure that campers are in a safe environment with caring YMCA staff that instill positive values that help build character.

Camping at the Y is a fun and unique experience that gives youth the opportunity to discover their full potential, meet new friends, play and create memories that last a lifetime.

YMCA Day Camp provides a safe and affordable opportunity for youth to participate in activities in which campers will have the opportunity to create arts and crafts, swim, appreciate nature, enrichment, STEM, make lasting memories, and better understand our many cultures. Campers will build self-confidence, appreciate teamwork and sportsmanship while gaining independence as they nurture their sprits, challenge their mind and strengthen their bodies.

The Y works to help youth discover their full potential by providing opportunities to learn, grow and thrive amidst caring, supportive adults. Through the Y’s day camp program, kids participate in fun and educational activities that help them with:

ACHIEVEMENT – Learn and master skills that help them realize their passions, talents and potential.

RELATIONSHIP – Build friendships with new friends and staff role models adding to their well-being.

BELONGING – Help them feel like they belong so they feel safe, welcome and free to express their individuality.

Our counselor in training program is focused on developing strong leaders through discussion, observation and supervised child interaction. This is a program for 14 and 15 years old serious about working with children and improving their leadership skills. CITs learn the value of teamwork, community service and decision-making through activities and mentoring. The most important part of the CIT program is the hands on experience they will have working with campers while being guided by the CIT Coordinator. Candidates are required to fill out a CIT application. Once the application is received an interview will be scheduled. CITs will have the opportunity to attend field trips. Field Trips will focus on building confidence, team work and fun. The CIT program will be limited to 25 CITS PER WEEK

Swimming is a very important part of our program. All of our campers are scheduled to swim twice a day, weather permitting. In the morning, we have an instructional swim and in the afternoon campers have a recreational swim. All of our lifeguards are certified. The main goal of our instructional swimming program is to make non-swimmers feel safe in the water and to have swimmers improve their skills accordingly. As with all our activities, swimming is a “challenge by choice.” This means that although we will encourage all campers to participate in all activities and have new experiences, no child shall be forced to participate in an activity in which they are not comfortable. YMCA swim instructor and lifeguards are certified by the American Red Cross.

Due at the time of registration

Hour Camp Day is from 7am – 6:30pm. Traditional camp activities are schedule to begin at 9:00am and ends at 4:00pm. Campers are scheduled for a variety of different specials offered throughout the day. Some campers, Unit 3 6th graders and up have their choice of activities during the afternoon.

Pre Camp 7:00am – 8:45am and Post Camp 4:00pm – 6:30pm. Pre and post camp is available to families that need to bring campers before the camp scheduled begins. It is also available for families that need campers to be at camp after our scheduled ends. There is no additional charge for pre or post camp. Campers in pre and post camp will have the option of different activities to participate in.

DROP OFF: A sign-in log will be located immediately after you cross the bridge or next to the office if it is raining. Curb-side drop off is available by driving into the camp driveway. A staff member will assist your camper out of your car and walk them over the bridge. Families must sign their campers in with the staff member.

8:40 – 9:00a

DROP OFF: The Head Counselor for each group will be at the entrance of camp. Parents will have the opportunity to sign their campers in with the head counselor, get information about the day, share information regarding their campers or just say “hi”. Once campers are signed in with their counselor a staff member will escort the campers to their tribe at Opening Ceremonies. Please sign your camper in with the appropriate counselor.

9:00a – 3:50p

DROP OFF: After 9:00 am Sign in occurs in the camp office. A crew member will locate you camper’s group and escort them to their scheduled activity.

PICK UP: Prior to 4:00 pm Sign out occurs in the camp office. Please make sure that you have a photo ID available. Please allow ample time for your camper to gather his or her belongings and report to the office. Keep in mind that the campers may be participating in swim and may require extra time to change their clothes. (Please see the daily camp swim schedule for details)

3:50 – 6:30p

PICK UP: 4:00-6:30 pm The sign out table will be located by the bridge entrance. Please allow time for your camper to gather his or her belongings and report to the sign out table. The older campers will be participating in activities at the far end of campus and may require extra time to make their way to the sign out area.

The traditional day camp schedule of activities is from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. To accommodate busy schedules our extended hours begin at 7:00 a.m. and are available until 6:30 p.m. There is no additional charge for our extended hours.

YMCA Camp Greenknoll is licensed annually by the State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health.

At Camp Greenknoll we have special days for special activities, what we like to call Fun Day Fridays. Each Friday is assigned a specific theme to which we have a wide variety of activities to engage our campers in. Depending on the Friday campers could be participating in a dance party complete with dance contest, celebrating their UnBirthday, winning prizes at the camp carnival, race to the finish in a bounce house obstacle course for color wars or chill out on a giant inflatable water slide. Our Fun Day Fridays give our campers the opportunity to interact with other campers and friends from different tribes and also gives them a chance for some friendly competition. Fridays are a chance to break out from routine and show some camp spirit.

Week 1

7/2 (Closed July 4th) Party at the Y – Celebrate America’s birthday with a classic American picnic and backyard game fun. Don’t forget to show you pride by wearing red, white and blue and/or stars and stripes!

Week 2

7/9 Pirates vs. Ninjas – Argh mateys, ye be friend or ye be foe? Will you take the vow of silence and help the ninjas or is it a pirate’s life for you? Join us for the face-off of pirates vs ninjas!

Week 3

7/16 Color Wars – The most anticipated and biggest rivalry of the summer: RED vs BLUE! Who will win this year’s color wars? Will Blue take a two year win streak after last year’s upset, or will Red reclaim the title? Find out by joining color wars 2018!

Week 4

Week 5

7/30 Camp Show – Campers will spend the week creating a one-of-a-kind performance, which they will present on Friday August, 3rd at 3:00 pm! Come for the show and stay for our family picnic!

Week 6

8/6 Around the World – Discover places around the world through games and activities. Are you clever enough to figure out where you are? Can you navigate through the jungle? Let’s put your world knowledge to the test as we travel around the world.

Week 7

8/13 Wild West – Howdy y’all! Will you join our party on our quest to the west? Grab your horse, grab your tools and get your gold bag. It’ll be a hootin’ hollerin’ good time! Yeehaw!

Week 8

8/20 Hollywood – It’s glitz, it’s glamour, it’s the Greenknoll walk of fame. Join as Greenknoll transforms into Hollywood as our summer send off. Will you be a famous actor in a movie or a singer with the summer’s best hit? Don’t forget to dodge those pesky paparazzi!

Week 9

8/27 UnBirthday – You have only 1 birthday each year, but there are 364 unbirthdays! Happy Unbirthday! Classic party games featuring pin the tail on the donkey, 3-legged race, egg races, balloon races, and more.

What is the difference between Camp Greenknoll and Summer Club?

YMCA Camp Greenknoll is an all outdoor camp with a maximum 375 campers broken into three units. All activities are outdoors. Camp does not participate in field trips. Camp runs for 9 weeks. Greenknoll Summer Club is a smaller program based indoors with no more than 50 children. Children in the Summer Club are for the most part, one group. Summer Club participates in one field trip per week. Summer Club runs for 8 weeks.

When does camp start and end?

Camp will begin on July 2nd and ends on August 31st.

Do I have to sign up for all nine weeks?

No. You can sign up for 8 weeks or 1 week. To get a more complete experience, most families sign up for 3 or more weeks.

How much does it cost to attend camp?

The cost per camp varies. Camp is $280 per week. CIT Program is $200 per week.

What are the Hours?

Both camp and Summer Club schedule activities are 9:00- 4:00pm. We have pre camp and post from 7:00am – 8:45am and from 4:00pm- 6:30pm for no extra cost.

What are the themes for this summer?

Week 1

July 2 (Closed 7/4)

Party at the Y

Week 2

July 9

Pirates v. Ninjas

Week 3

July 16

July 16

Week 4

July 23

Carnival

Week 5

July 30

Camp Show

Week 6

August 6

Around the World

Week 7

August 13

Wild West

Week 8

August 20

Hollywood

Week 9

August 27

UnBirthday

What are electives?

Electives are a variety of activities that will be offered each week from Monday Thursday. The choices will range from field games to art. They will vary from week to week. Campers will choose the activity for the week. They will not be able to switch because some elective will be limited. Campers in the Rangers Unit will participate in electives.

How are the children divided into groups?

At YMCA Camp Greenknoll has a maximum of 375 campers per week. Campers are divided into group’s bases on gender and grade. Groups will have a maximum of 20 campers.

Do you provide transportation to YMCA Camp Greenknoll?

No. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

What do I do if I need to pick up my child early?

You must come into the office and sign out your child. A note is always helpful. Please give your camper amply time to get to the office.

I need to be at work early. What can I do?

To meet the needs of families, campers may be dropped at camp at 7am and picked up no later than 6:30pm for pre and post camp. There is no additional cost for pre camp.

May I come to visit my child at camp?

Yes, parents can visit the camp at any time to observe their child and camp. Parents are required to check in with the camp director. If concerns arise or special issues need to be addressed, parents are encouraged to speak personally with their child’s counselor or the camp director.

If I am unable to pick my child up in person, what is the procedure?

In the case where you cannot pick up your child and someone else will, we ask that you inform the office. An email or fax stating to full name of the person may be sent. Your child’s safety is important to us. Unknown persons will be asked to present an I.D. to camp staff.

Is there an emergency phone number?

YMCA Greenknoll Camp phone number is 203.775.9363. Someone is always available in the office during camp hours.

My child takes medication, what do I do?

As a licensed camp, we must follow strict guidelines. You must fill out a permission form and give the medication to the camp director or first aid provider in the original container, physician’s name, and dosage and expiration date. The medication is locked up and the first aid provider will administer the prescription per instructions from you and your physician. The permission form must also be signed by your child’s physician and by you.

Does my child need lunch every day?

Yes, Campers should bring a brown bag type lunch, which will be stored in large lunch bags and brought to the walk in cooler until lunchtime. Clearly mark the campers name on lunch bags. No glass containers!!! Any food allergies your child has should be indicated on the medical form. Campers can also order pizza on Friday for an additional cost.

How should my child dress for camp?

Dressing your child appropriately is important to insure that your child has a good time at camp. Shorts and t-shirts, sneakers and a sweatshirt are standard dress. No open toed shoes are allowed except on pool deck.

What if it is raining?

In the event that there is liquid sunshine (rain) at camp, activities will be going on as scheduled. Camp is held despite liquid sunshine, so it is helpful to send raingear with your child. Although outdoor activities will be available some exciting rainy day activities will be planned.

Whom do I notify if my child will be absent from camp?

Parents should call the camp at 203.775.9363

If my child attends camp am I able to get childcare tax credit?

Yes. A tax letter is sent out at the end of the year.

Can my child bring personal belongs to camp?

We discourage children from bringing any personal belongings to camp including cell phones and personal gaming systems. YMCA Camp Greenknoll cannot and will not take responsibility for any person belongings.

What can you tell me about the discipline policy?

It is the goal here at YMCA Camp Greenknoll to provide each camper with a fun, healthy and safe camp experience. Campers are treated equally and responsibility, caring, respect and honesty are the cornerstone for learning and understanding the camp rules and abiding by them. Campers may be given a time out and the opportunity to discuss the problem with the staff. If progress were difficult we would ask you to help. If this is not productive, a day away from camp will be discussed. Should behavior continue to be a problem after a full day time out, then the child may be asked not to return to camp.

Should I pack sunscreen and bug repellent?

Absolutely! If your child is sensitive to bug bites and sun, both are recommended. We ask you apply sunscreen in the morning before coming to camp. Younger campers will receive help applying sunscreen and older campers will be supervised. Campers will be encouraged to reapply during the day.

How Many Times Does My Child Swim?

Each tribe swims twice per day. Mornings swim is instruction and afternoon is free swim. A bathing suit and towel are necessary. It is helpful to have children use a back pack of some kind so they can keep track of their belongings. Clearly marking your child’s name on all clothing and towels will reduce the possibility of lost items.

How Does Swim Lessons Work?

Each Monday children are tested and placed in the appropriate swim level. During the week children are taught appropriately. At the end of the week children are retested, some children may remain at their level and some may up move up to the next level.

SWIM BASICS – Recommended skills for all to have around water

SWIM STROKES – Skills to support a healthy lifestyle

What if my child can’t touch the bottom in the shallow end?

Any child that cannot touch the bottom or is not a good swimmer, which is determined by our Red Cross Certified lifeguards, must wear a life vest. The camp provides life vests. Campers are given bracelet identifying them as deep end swimmers or shallow end swimmers. This is for the safety of all our campers.